Voting Pattern Resembles Past Years, With Recorded Votes on 14 Drafts;

Plenary Text Adopted on Slave Trade Memorial, Deferred on New Global Order

Acting on the recommendation of its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), the General Assembly adopted 24 resolutions and two draft decisions this afternoon on a variety of agenda items including decolonization, outer space, the flow of information, atomic radiation, assistance in mine action, the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), and Israeli practices in the occupied Arab territories.

As in past years, the Assembly held recorded votes on more than half of the Fourth Committee’s resolutions. It also adopted, without a vote, a plenary-generated text related to the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, but postponed to a later date action on a draft resolution promoting a new global human order.

Taking up 11 decolonization texts, the Assembly adopted five by recorded votes, including two related to the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples and dissemination of information on decolonization. (For details of the voting, see annexes X to XIV).

In contrast to last year's vote on the question of Western Sahara, Member States were unanimous in their support for United Nations-sponsored negotiations between the Government of Morocco and POLISARIO Front, in Manhasset, New York, approving a consensus resolution to that effect.

Also acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted a resolution on the question of Tokelau, noting that an October referendum on that Territory's status had failed to pass by a narrow margin. It also adopted by consensus a draft decision on the question of Gibraltar, and an omnibus resolution on a number of Territories, most of which were small island Non-Self-Governing Territories.

Turning to the situation in the Middle East, the Assembly adopted a text on assistance to Palestine refugees, which extends the UNRWA mandate through mid-June 2011, and calls on donors to meet the Agency's needs in an increasingly bleak socio-economic and humanitarian situation, by a vote of 171 in favour to 2 against (Israel, Nauru), with 6 abstentions (Cameroon, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, United States, Vanuatu). (See annex I)

Recorded votes had also been requested on three other texts on UNRWA's work, including one on the Relief Agency’s operations, by which it urged Israel to compensate the Agency for damages the Israeli side had caused United Nations property and facilities, and to reimburse all transit charges and financial losses incurred as a result of delays and restrictions on movement and access caused by Israeli actions. (See annexes II to IV)

The Assembly adopted five draft resolutions on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian and other peoples in occupied Arab lands (annexes V through IX). According to a text on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan, it demanded the immediate cessation of all Israeli settlement activities and expressed grave concern about the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements in and around occupied East Jerusalem, including Israel’s plans to connect those illegal settlements in its “E-1 plan”.

The Assembly took that action by a vote of 165in favour to 7 against (Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 5 abstentions (Angola, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Tonga, Vanuatu). (See annex VII)

Turning to issues of outer space, the Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution on recommendations for enhancing the practice of States and international intergovernmental organizations in registering space objects, which would seek to harmonize practices relating to objects launched into outer space. Because of programme budget implications, it postponed action a second draft resolution on international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. Consideration of that draft text was expected as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) was available.

By consensus, the Assembly also adopted two resolutions on questions relating to information. By one text, on “United Nations public information policies and activities”, the Assembly emphasized the essential role of the Department of Public Information in ensuring that the voice of the United Nations was heard in a clear and effective manner. It also requested that Department and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to continue their cooperation in raising awareness of realities, successes and challenges faced by peacekeeping operations.

In further action, the Assembly adopted, also without a vote, a text on the effects of atomic radiation, and it adopted a draft decision on revitalization of the Assembly’s work, without a vote. It also took note of the Fourth Committee’s reports on a comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects and programme planning.

Speaking in explanation of position on the Fourth Committee texts were the representatives of Iran, Spain and United Kingdom.

The Rapporteur of the Fourth Committee introduced that body’s reports.

The representative of the Bahamas, on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), introduced the draft text on the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. Guyana’s delegate introduced the draft resolution on the role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order.

Statements in the plenary were made by the representatives of Jamaica, Cuba, Egypt, Japan, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic and Bahamas (on behalf of the Caribbean Community).

The General Assembly will meet again at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, 18 December, to take up the reports of its Third Committee.

Background

The Assembly met this afternoon to take up the reports of its Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization). It also had before it two plenary-generated draft resolutions, on the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade (document A/62/L.32) and the role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order (document A/62/L.35).

Topics covered in the Fourth Committee reports include assistance in mine action (item 29); effects of atomic radiation (item 30); international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space (item 31); the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (item 32); Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories (item 33); comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects (item 34); questions relating to information (item 35); decolonization issues (items 36-40); revitalization of the work of the General Assembly (item 121); and programme planning (item 129).

Decolonization issues before the Assembly included information from Non-Self-Governing Territories, transmitted under Article 73 e of the United Nations Charter (item 36); economic and other activities, which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (item 37); implementation of the Decolonization Declaration by the United Nations specialized agencies and associated international institutions (item 38); offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories (item 39); and implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (item 40).

Committee Reports

The Assembly had before it a report on Assistance in mine action (document A/62/401), containing a draft resolution by the same name, which was approved by the Fourth Committee on 13 November without a vote (see Press Release GA/SPD/390).

By the draft, the Assembly would call for States to foster the development of national mine-action capacities in countries where those devices are a serious threat to the local civilian population. According to the draft, that would include providing the necessary information, as well as technical and financial assistance, to locate, remove or render ineffective minefields, mines, booby traps, other devices and explosive remnants of war. The Assembly would also recognize the importance of explicitly incorporating references to mine action, when appropriate, in ceasefires and peace agreements.

The Assembly had before it a report on the Effects of atomic radiation (document A/62/402) containing a draft resolution by the same name, by which the Assembly would commend the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation for contributing to a wider understanding of the levels, effects and risks of ionizing radiation throughout its 52-year existence. It would urge the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to strengthen the Scientific Committee’s funding mechanisms and to continue to seek temporary funding measures to complement existing ones. In that context, it would encourage Member States to consider making voluntary contributions to the trust fund established by the UNEP Executive Director for that purpose.

By other terms, the Assembly would appeal to the Secretary-General to take administrative measures needed for the secretariat of the Scientific Committee to serve Member States in a “predictable and sustainable manner”. It would endorse, on an exceptional basis, the Committee’s intention to convene its fifty-sixth session for seven days instead of the usual five. It would welcome the announcement by Belarus, Finland, Pakistan, Republic of Korea, Spain and Ukraine of their desire to become members of the Scientific Committee, and would invite each of those States to designate one scientist to attend the fifty-sixth session of the Committee as observers.

The Committee approved the text by consensus on 29 October (see Press Release GA/SPD/381).

The Committee’s report on International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space (document A/62/403) contains two draft resolutions approved by consensus on 26 November (see Press Release GA/SPD/392).

The first -- Recommendations on enhancing the practice of States and international intergovernmental organizations in registering space objects -- would have the Assembly recommend that States furnish the Secretary-General with information, with a view to harmonizing practices relating to space objects. Such information would include the geostationary orbit location of objects; any change of status in operations, such as when a space object is no longer functional; the approximate date of decay or re-entry; the date and physical conditions of moving a space object to a disposal orbit [an orbit where spacecraft are intentionally placed at the end of their operational life]; and web links to official information on space objects.

The Assembly would further recommend that a solution should be sought in cases where an international intergovernmental organization conducting space activities had not yet declared its acceptance of the rights and obligations under the Convention on Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space, and that a general backup solution be provided for registration by international intergovernmental organizations conducting space activities in cases where there was no consensus on registration among the States members of such organizations.

The second draft, on International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, would have the Assembly urge all States, in particular those with major space capabilities, to contribute actively to the goal of preventing an arms race in outer space. It would decide that Bolivia and Switzerland would become members of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, and endorse the Committee’s Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines.

The Fourth Committee had held a vote to decide whether to retain operative paragraph 42 calling for the endorsement of the work plan for 2007 of the United Nations Platform for Space-based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER), along with its platform programme for the biennium 2007-2009 and plan of work for the period 2008-2009. The Committee voted to include that provision in the final draft before the Assembly by 148 in favour to 6 against (Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, United Kingdom, United States), with 3 abstentions (Italy, New Zealand, Poland).

The Committee’s report on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (document A/62/404) contains four draft resolutions, all of which were approved by recorded votes on 26 November (see Press Release GA/SPD/392).

Draft I, entitled Assistance to Palestine refugees, would have the Assembly call on donors to continue their efforts to meet the Agency’s anticipated needs, especially in light of the region’s deteriorating socio-economic and humanitarian situation. It would also have the Assembly extend the Agency’s mandate until 30 June 2011.

The draft was approved by the Committee by a recorded vote of 160 in favour to 1 against ( Israel), with 6 abstentions ( Cameroon, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States).

By draft II, on Persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities, the Assembly would endorse the efforts of the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide humanitarian assistance on an emergency basis and as a temporary measure to persons in the area who are currently displaced and in serious need of continued assistance. The Assembly would strongly appeal to all Governments, organizations and individuals to contribute generously to the Agency, and to other concerned intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations.

The Committee approved the text by a vote of 158 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 1 abstention (Canada).

Draft III, on the Operations of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, would have the Assembly call on Israel to comply fully with the provisions of the Geneva Convention relative to the protection of civilian persons in time of war, and to abide by Articles 100, 104 and 105 of the United Nations Charter and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. Israel would be urged to compensate the Agency for damages to United Nations property and facilities resulting from actions by the Israeli side, and to reimburse all transit charges and financial losses incurred as a result of delays and restrictions on movement and access it imposed.

The draft was approved by the Committee with a recorded vote of 159 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 1 abstention (Cameroon).

By draft IV, on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues, the Assembly would reaffirm that the Palestine refugees were entitled to their property and to the income derived there from. It would request the Secretary-General to take all appropriate steps, in consultation with the United Nations Conciliation Commission for Palestine, for the protection of Arab property, assets and property rights in Israel. It would also urge the Palestinian and Israeli sides, as agreed between them, to deal with the important issue of Palestine refugees’ properties and revenues within the framework of the final status negotiations of the Middle East peace process.

The Committee approved the text by a vote of 158 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 1 abstention (Cameroon).

The Committee’s report on the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (document A/61/405) contains five draft resolutions, all of which were approved by recorded votes on 26 November (see Press Release GA/SPD/392).

Draft I, on the Work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories, would have the Assembly reiterate its demand that Israel cooperate with the Special Committee in implementing its mandate. The Special Committee would be requested to continue to investigate Israeli violations of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and other Arab territories occupied by Israel since 1967. The Assembly would have the Committee consult the International Committee of the Red Cross, as appropriate.

The Committee approved the text by a vote of 85 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 70 abstentions.

By draft II, on the Applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, of 12 August 1949, to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the other occupied Arab territories, the Assembly would demand that Israel accept the de jure applicability of the Convention in the occupied Arab territories, and that it comply scrupulously with its provisions.

The draft was approved by the Committee with a recorded vote of 155 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 5 abstentions (Angola, Australia, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi).

According to draft III, on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan, the Assembly would express grave concern about the construction and expansion of Israeli settlements in and around occupied East Jerusalem, including Israel’s “E-1 plan” aimed at connecting the illegal settlements around East Jerusalem. It would reiterate its opposition to the de facto annexation of land in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the occupied Syrian Golan, and reiterate its demand for the immediate cessation of all Israeli settlement activities.

By further terms, the Assembly would demand that Israel comply with its legal obligations, as mentioned in the advisory opinion rendered on 9 July 2004 by the International Court of Justice [the Court found that the construction by Israel of a wall inside the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and its associated regime, is contrary to international law].

The Committee approved the text by a vote of 154 in favour to 7 against (Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 4 abstentions (Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi, Tonga).

According to draft IV, on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, the Assembly would call upon Israel to release all remaining tax revenues due to the Palestinian Authority, and implement the Agreement of Movement and Access and the Agreed Principles for the Rafah Crossing. It would also urge Members States to continue to provide emergency assistance to the Palestinian people, to alleviate the financial crisis faced by the people of the Gaza Strip. It would demand that Israel immediately cease construction of the wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and make reparation for all damages caused by its construction.

The draft was approved by the Committee with a recorded vote of 148 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 7 abstentions (Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, El Salvador, Malawi, Tonga, Uganda).

By draft V, on the Occupied Syrian Golan, the Assembly would call on Israel to comply with the relevant resolutions on the occupied Syrian Golan, in particular Security Council resolution 497 (1981), in which the Council had decided that the Israeli decision to impose its laws, jurisdiction and administration on the occupied Syrian Golan was without international legal effect. It would call on Israel to desist from changing the physical character, demographic composition, institutional structure and legal status of the occupied Syrian Golan, and would further call on Israel to desist from imposing Israeli citizenship and Israeli identity cards on the Syrian citizens. Member States would be called on not to recognize any of the legislative or administrative measures and actions referred to above.

The Committee approved the text by a vote of 154 in favour to 1 against ( Israel), with 9 abstentions ( Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Federated States of Micronesia, Malawi, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Tonga, United States).

The report on Questions relating to information (document A/62/407) contains two draft resolutions, which were approved on 22 October by consensus (see Press Release GA/SPD/378).

By the terms of draft I, on Information in the service of humanity, the Assembly would urge all countries, United Nations organizations and all others concerned to assist in building communication infrastructures and capabilities in developing countries, so as to increase the participation of media and individuals in the communication process, and to ensure a free flow of information at all levels. Those countries and other entities would be urged also to condemn resolutely all attacks against journalists, and to provide support for the continuation and strengthening of practical training programmes for broadcasters and journalists from all media in developing countries.

Draft II, on United Nations public information policies and activities, would have the Assembly reaffirm that the Organization remains the indispensable foundation of a peaceful world, and would emphasize the essential role of the Department of Public Information in ensuring that its voice is heard in a clear and effective manner. In that connection, it would request the Department to continue evaluating its products and activities, including through interdepartmental consultations. The Department’s continued efforts to publicize the work and decisions of the Assembly and its efforts in issuing daily press releases would be noted with appreciation, and a request would be made for it to continue providing that service to Member States and media representatives.

The draft would also have the Assembly emphasize the importance of the network of United Nations information centres in enhancing the public image of the United Nations around the world, especially in developing countries. It would stress the importance of rationalizing the information centres’ network, and reaffirm that such rationalization must be carried out on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with all Member States concerned.

Also by the text, the Assembly would request the Secretariat to ensure the public information Department’s role in every stage of future peacekeeping operations. It would request the Department and the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to continue their cooperation in raising awareness of realities, successes and challenges faced by peacekeeping operations, and to continue to cooperate in implementing an effective programme to explain the Organization’s policy against sexual exploitation and abuse.

Regarding traditional means of communication, the Assembly would stress that radio remained the most cost-effective and far-reaching traditional form of media available to the Department. Further, it would welcome the Department’s efforts to produce and disseminate television news video and feature material to broadcasters worldwide, through satellite distribution and web delivery. In a section on library services, the Assembly would acknowledge the role of the Dag Hammarskjöld Library, as part of the Department’s Outreach Division, in ensuring access to United Nations knowledge. New approaches taken by the Library, namely the Personal Knowledge Management initiative, would be noted.

By other terms, the Assembly would welcome the movement towards educational outreach; note the importance of the Department’s continued implementation of the ongoing programme for broadcasters and journalists from developing countries; and reaffirm the important role of guided tours -- and welcome the Department’s exhibitions on important United Nations-related issues -- in reaching out to the general public, including children and students.

The report on Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations (document A/62/408) contains a draft resolution by which the Assembly would request administering Powers to transmit, or continue to transmit, to the Secretary-General the information prescribed in Article 73 e of the Charter, as well as the fullest possible information on political and constitutional developments in the Territories concerned.

The Committee approved that text by a recorded vote of 134 in favour to none against, with 4 abstentions ( France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States), on 15 October (see Press Release GA/SPD/375).

The Committee’s report on Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/62/409) contains a draft resolution by which the Assembly would reaffirm the right of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories to self-determination, as well as their right to enjoy their natural resources and to dispose of them in their best interest.

The Committee approved that draft by a recorded vote of 142 in favour to 2 against ( Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions ( France, United Kingdom), on 15 October.

Contained in the report on Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations (document A/62/410) is a draft resolution by which the Assembly would recommend that all States intensify their efforts in the specialized agencies and other organizations of the United Nations system to ensure the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

The Committee approved that text by a recorded vote of 93 in favour to none against, with 55 abstentions, on 15 October.

The report on Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/62/411) includes a draft resolution by which the Assembly would invite all States to make, or continue to make, generous offers of study and training facilities to the inhabitants of the Territories and, wherever possible, to provide travel funds to prospective students.

The draft was approved without a vote on 15 October.

The report on Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (document A/62/412) contains five draft resolutions (see Press Release GA/SPD/375) and one draft decision (see Press ReleaseGA/SPD/378).

By draft I, on the Question of Western Sahara, the Assembly would strongly support Security Council resolution 1754 (2007), in which the Council called upon the parties to enter into negotiations without preconditions in good faith, with a view to achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The Assembly would welcome the ongoing negotiations between the parties held in June and August 2007. It would also commend the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy for implementing the Council’s resolution, and would encourage all parties to continue to show political will and a spirit of cooperation, and to create a propitious atmosphere for dialogue and successful negotiations.

The text was approved without a vote on 15 October.

Draft II, on the Question of New Caledonia, would have the Assembly welcome the significant developments that had taken place in New Caledonia since the signing of the Nouméa Accord in May 1998. It would note the relevant provisions of the accord, aimed at taking more broadly into account the Kanak identity in the political and social organization of New Caledonia, and would welcome the approval of the territorial Congress, in January, to establish the first Kanak Academy aimed at preserving indigenous languages and dialects.

The Committee approved that draft without a vote on 15 October.

Draft III concerns the Questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands and is divided into two sections.

Part A would have the Assembly reaffirm the inalienable right of the peoples of the Territories to self-determination, and that, in the decolonization process, there was no alternative to the principle of self-determination, which was also a fundamental human right. It would also stress the importance of implementing the action plan of the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

Part B of the text takes up the question of each specific Territory.

The Committee approved the whole draft without a vote on 15 October.

Draft resolution IV, on Dissemination of information on decolonization, would have the Assembly approve the activities of the United Nations Department of Public Information and the United Nations Department of Political Affairs in the dissemination of information on decolonization, particularly the information leaflet on United Nations assistance to the Territories that was issued in March. It would consider it important to expand the Special Committee’s efforts to disseminate information on decolonization as widely as possible. It would request the Secretary-General to enhance the information provided on the United Nations website, and would ask the public information Department to continue to update web-based information on assistance programmes available to the Territories.

That draft was approved by a recorded vote of 145 in favour to 3 against ( Israel, United Kingdom, United States), with 1 abstention ( France), on 15 October.

By draft resolution V, on Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples, the Assembly would reaffirm once again that the existence of colonialism in any form or manifestation, including economic exploitation, is incompatible with the United Nations Charter, the Declaration on Decolonization, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It would also call on administering Powers to cooperate fully with the Special Committee to finalize, before the end of the Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, a constructive programme of work to facilitate the implementation of the Special Committee’s mandate and relevant decolonization resolutions, on a case-by-case basis.

The Committee approved the draft by a recorded vote of 145 in favour to 3 against ( Israel, United Kingdom, United States), with 2 abstentions ( Belgium, France), on 15 October.

The draft decision on the Question of Gibraltar would have the Assembly urge the Governments of Spain and the United Kingdom to reach a definitive solution to that question, while listening to its interests and aspirations. It would also welcome the ongoing successful implementation of the first package of measures concluded at the tripartite Forum of Dialogue on Gibraltar.

The draft decision was approved without a vote on 22 October.

A draft resolution on the Question of Tokelau, contained in Addendum 1 to the report on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (document A/62/412/Add.1), would have the Assembly note the recent failure, in October 2007, of the referendum to produce the two thirds majority required to change Tokelau’s status as a Non-Self-Governing Territory. It would welcome the commitment of both Tokelau and New Zealand to continue to work together in the interests of Tokelau and its people, taking into account the principle of the right to self-determination.

The Committee approved the draft without a vote on 14 November (see Press Release GA/SPD/391).

Other Reports

Also before the Assembly were reports on a Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects (document A/62/406); Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly (document A/62/413), including a draft programme of work for the next session; and Programme planning (document A/62/414).

Action on Fourth Committee Texts

The Assembly first took up the report on Assistance in mine action (document A/62/401), adopting by consensus the draft resolution by the same name.

Taking up the report on the Effects of atomic radiation (document A/62/402), the Assembly next adopted the related draft text, also without a vote.

It then took up the report on International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space (document A/62/403) and adopted, without a vote, draft resolution I entitled “Recommendations on enhancing the practice of States and international intergovernmental organizations in registering space objects”.

Action on draft resolution II, entitled “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space”, was postponed due to programme budget implications.

The Assembly then turned to the Committee’s report on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) (document A/62/404).

Speaking before the vote, the representative of Iceland said his delegation strongly supported the work of the Agency, and would have wanted to co-sponsor the resolution on Assistance to Palestine Refugees. He asked that that position be reflected in the report of today’s meeting.

The Assembly then adopted draft resolution I, on assistance to Palestine refugees, by a recorded vote of 171 in favour to 2 against (Israel, Nauru), with 6 abstentions (Cameroon, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, United States, Vanuatu). (For details of the vote, see annex I)

It then took up draft resolution II, on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities, adopting it by a vote of 171 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 2 abstentions (Canada, Vanuatu). (See annex II)

Taking up draft resolution III, on UNRWA’s operations, the Assembly adopted the text by a recorded vote of 170 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 3 abstentions (Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Vanuatu). (See annex III)

By a recorded vote of 170 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 3 abstentions (Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Vanuatu), the Assembly adopted draft resolution IV, on Palestine refugees’ properties and their revenues. (See annex IV)

The Assembly then turned to the report of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (document A/61/405), adopting draft resolution I on the work of the Special Committee by a recorded vote of 93 in favour to 8 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 74 abstentions. (See annex V)

Taking up draft resolution II, on the applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, the Assembly adopted the text by a recorded vote of 169 in favour to 6 against (Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 3 abstentions (Australia, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire). (See annex VI)

It then adopted, by a recorded vote of 165 in favour to 7 against (Australia, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, United States), with 5 abstentions (Angola, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Tonga, Vanuatu), draft resolution III on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan. (See annex VII)

By a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 7 against (Australia, Canada, Federated States of Micronesia, Israel, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau), with 11 abstentions,it adopted draft resolution IV, on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. (See annex VIII)

The Assembly then adopted draft resolution V, on the occupied Syrian Golan, by a recorded vote of 164 in favour to 1 against (Israel), with 10 abstentions (Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Federated States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Tonga, United States, Vanuatu). (See annex IX)

The representative of Iran, speaking after the votes on the resolutions on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan, and on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people, said he had voted in favour of the resolutions to reiterate his solidarity with the Palestinian people. However, he wanted to place on record Iran’s reservations to certain paragraphs of the resolutions. Iran had been “unwavering” in its full support for Palestinians in their efforts to attain national rights and dignity, and had supported the legal Government. In that context, references to certain internal issues in some of the resolutions could be construed by Palestinians as outside interference in domestic affairs, which would further exacerbate the current dangerous situation. Internal issues of Palestine should be dealt with internally.

Settlement of the Palestinian issue could be achieved only if the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people were fully and unconditionally realized, he explained. Regrettably, past initiatives had not contributed to solving the crisis, owing to their lack of attention to root causes. Durable peace in Palestine would be possible through justice, an end to discrimination, and an end to the occupation of all Palestinian Territory, as well as the return of all Palestinian refugees, among other things.

Next, the Assembly took note of the Fourth Committee’s report on its Comprehensive review of the whole question of peacekeeping operations in all their aspects (document A/62/406).

Turning to the report on Questions relating to information (document A/62/407), the Assembly took action on its two-part resolution, adopting by consensus draft resolution A on information in the service of humanity, and draft B, on United Nations public information policies and activities as a whole, without a vote.

Taking up the report on Information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations (document A/62/408), the Assembly adopted a draft resolution of the same name by a recorded vote of 176 in favour to none against, with 4 abstentions (France, Israel, United Kingdom, United States). (See annex X)

By a recorded vote of 176 in favour to 2 against ( Israel, United States), with 2 abstentions ( France, United Kingdom), it then adopted the draft resolution contained in the report on Economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/62/409). (See annex XI)

Next, it took up the report on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations (document A/62/410), adopting the draft resolution therein by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to none against, with 54 abstentions. (See annex XII)

Taking up the report on Offers by Member States of study and training facilities for inhabitants of Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/62/411), the Assembly adopted a draft resolution of the same name, without a vote.

It then turned to the report on Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (document A/62/412), adopting draft resolution I, on the question of Western Sahara, without a vote.

The Assembly next adopted draft resolution II, on the question of New Caledonia, also without a vote.

Again acting without a vote, the Assembly adopted draft resolution III, in its entirety, on the questions of American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Turks and Caicos Islands and United States Virgin Islands.

By a recorded vote of 175 in favour to 2 against ( Israel, United Kingdom), with 2 abstentions ( France, United States), the Assembly adopted draft resolution IV, on dissemination of information on decolonization. (See annex XIII)

Acting without a vote, it adopted a decision on an oral amendment to operative paragraph 6 of draft resolution V, on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

By a recorded vote of 176 in favour to 2 against ( Israel, United Kingdom), with 2 abstentions ( France, United States), the Assembly then adopted draft resolution V, as orally amended. (See annex XIV)

The Assembly then adopted the draft decision on the question of Gibraltar without a vote.

It adopted, without a vote, a draft resolution as orally amended on the question of Tokelau, contained in Addendum 1 to the report on the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (document A/62/412/Add.1).

The representative of Spain, explaining his position on the omnibus resolution contained in the report on implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (document A/62/412), said his country supported the application of self-determination, as contained in the text. At the same time, the principle of self-determination was not the only relevant principle. There were certain cases in which the principle of territorial integrity must be applied. One such case was that of Gibraltar. In the decolonization process for that territory, Spain was prepared to make progress without delay towards a final arrangement that would be the outcome of a negotiation with the United Kingdom, as the administrating Power, in which his delegation would listen to the aspirations of the people of Gibraltar.

The representative of the United Kingdom, speaking in explanation of position and in response to comments made by the representative of Spain, drew attention to his delegation’s right of reply on that agenda item delivered in the Fourth Committee. He underlined that the United Kingdom did not accept that the existence of a sovereignty dispute overrode the principle of self-determination on that issue.

The Assembly next adopted a draft decision without on a vote on the “Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly” (document A/62/413).

It then took note of the report entitled “Programme planning” (document A/62/414).

Following its consideration of the reports of the Fourth Committee, the Assembly then decided to move consideration of the report of the Ad-Hoc Open-ended Working Group on Assistance and Support to Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (document A/62/581) to agenda item 116, on the follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit.

Introduction of Draft Resolution

PAULETTE BETHEL (Bahamas), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), introduced the draft resolution on the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade (document A/62/L.32), saying the resolution had a two-fold focus: to highlight the establishment of a permanent memorial at the United Nations for the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, and to recognize the establishment of the Permanent Memorial Fund, which had been set up to realize the memorial.

Moreover, she said, the draft sought to annually designate 25 March as the International Day of Remembrance for the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, starting in 2008. Linked to the accomplishment of the abolitionists, the Day would complement the existing United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, recognized on 23 August.

As racism and prejudice continued to “cast a destructive stain” on societies around the globe, the adoption of the resolution requested the Secretary-General, in collaboration with UNESCO, to establish an outreach programme to mobilize educational institutions and civil society, to inculcate future generations with the lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and to inform them of the dangers of racism, she said. States should employ all strategies to combat the scourge of racism and to correct historic injustices. Noting the event last week organized by the Caribbean Community and the United Nations Department of Public Information to celebrate the diversity of the African diaspora, she expressed her delegation’s deep appreciation to the Netherlands and Spain for their support.

In a general statement, RAYMOND O. WOLFE ( Jamaica), aligning himself with the statement made on behalf of the Caribbean Community, expressed full support for the text, which would have the Assembly support the Caribbean initiative to erect a permanent memorial in the United Nations, under the theme “acknowledging the tragedy, considering the legacy, lest we forget”. Such a monument would be a unique opportunity to honour victims of the transatlantic slave trade and slavery. Against that backdrop, he urged everyone to consider the “profound significance” of the draft, which sought to honour and restore dignity to the victims. The tragic legacy of the slave trade remained, and States were deciding to establish an international day to remember victims. Such a day would galvanize “firm resolve”, so that such horrific acts were never forgotten or allowed to recur.

For that reason, the draft requested the Secretary-General to work with UNESCO to establish an educational outreach programme, which would inculcate future generations with the causes, consequences and lessons of the slave trade. Rather than impose a burden on the regular United Nations budget, the States of CARICOM had moved to establish a voluntary Permanent Memorial Fund, under Jamaica’s custody, for the permanent memorial. His delegation looked forward to the establishment of a committee and board of governors for the memorial’s construction.

ILEANA NUNEZ MORDFOCHE ( Cuba) said that the transatlantic slave trade was one of the most sordid, devastating and bloody chapters of contemporary history, and its tragedies constituted crimes against humanity. The insatiable appetite for profit of European traffickers, and the unlimited greed of rising capitalism, had affected an estimated 15 million to 28 million Africans. Deep material scars remained in Cuba from that reality in ancient sugar mills, coffee plantations, slave quarters and other facilities. Some 1.3 million slaves had also arrived in Cuba, and a complex “trans-culturation” process had led to the formation of the Cuban nationality, which was a mix of Hispanic and African heritage. Further, the action of slaves who had not submitted to their fate of exploitation marked the beginning of the spirit of rebelliousness and emancipation of the Cuban people.

She said that the slave trade was part and parcel of the merciless exploitation and impoverishment of the African continent, and the cruel discrimination that, for years, their descendants had suffered in the western hemisphere. There should be no doubt either that colonialism had led to racism and racial discrimination. It was with astonishment that her delegation saw that many of those who had promoted and benefited from slavery now ignored, justified, or, worse, purported to erase slavery’s sad chapter from human history. It was neither moral nor ethical that those who lived in opulence, due in part to slavery, now opposed any formula aimed at honouring those who had suffered under its effects.

While a first rapprochement and a critical assessment of slavery and colonialism as crimes against humanity had been achieved in Durban, Cuba believed the international community should go deeper in assessing those issues, she said. Thus, it supported the draft resolution submitted by the Caribbean Community. It would also continue its cooperation programmes with the African, Caribbean and other third world nations as part of its efforts to address the consequences of the slave trade, colonialism and neo-colonialism.

MOHAMED FATHI EDREES ( Egypt) said that practices during the era had led to the loss of 3 million lives during the journey across the Atlantic -– the infamous Middle Passage –- whereas the 12 million who had survived fell captive to servitude and bigotry. Undoubtedly, the African continent had shouldered the greatest burden, deprived throughout the centuries of its finest youth and exploitation of its natural resources. That had contributed to its instability, poverty and marginalization in the global economy, inhibiting its ability to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. Meanwhile, the developed world had failed to fulfil repeated pledges to help the continent within a framework of partnership.

Hesaid that despite steps taken to implement the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, the world was still witnessing slavery, bonded labour, human trafficking and sexual abuse. States, therefore, should reinforce their resolve to eliminate the “modern symptoms” of that problem, especially xenophobia and bias against religions and beliefs.

Also important was to strengthen the Convention’s standards, while continuing preparations for the Durban Review Conference in 2009, he said, adding that such work should be done in a way that would restore trust between the North and South. Dealing with the parallel issue of migration in a comprehensive manner was also important, notably through promoting respect for migrants’ rights, on equal footing with other citizens. Efforts to encourage media freedom should be matched by prohibiting attacks on religions, prophets and the cultural particularities of others. Indeed, it was time for vigorous international action to confront racism, on whatever basis, he said, urging States to also intensify efforts to “eliminate this illness” in a comprehensive manner that took into account the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The representative of the Secretariat said that pursuant to operative paragraph 4 of that draft, it was envisaged that public information activities would be undertaken, including those for anti-slave efforts, in the six official languages. Such activities would involve additional resources of $43,800, under section 27 of the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2008-2009. However, since provisions had been made, no additional appropriations would be required.

The Assembly then adopted the draft resolution on the transatlantic slave trade without a vote.

ATSUSHI YAMAGUCHI ( Japan) said his delegation had joined consensus on that draft resolution, owing to the importance of commemorating the abolition of the slave trade, a grievous human rights violation. Japan expected that efforts would be made to ensure that any programmes developed in connection with the new International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade would complement and reinforce those of the existing UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, and the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.

The representative of the United Kingdom welcomed the adoption of the resolution. It was fitting that, at the close of the year marking the 200th anniversary of the end of the transatlantic slave trade, the Assembly, once again, acknowledged the horrors of the slave trade and sought to ensure that such events would never happen again. The United Kingdom pledged to support the memorial and would encourage other delegations to do likewise. By adopting the text, the United Nations would set aside a day to remember the transatlantic slave trade. The Day would be an opportunity for all States to consider the issue and “remind ourselves of the lessons of tolerance, respect, human dignity, that slavery throughout the ages -– and so tragically persistent today -– teaches us all”, she said, briefly highlighting the issue of human trafficking.

Those lessons, as the resolution pointed out, would complement the work done by UNESCO and enshrined in the UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, observed on 23 August of each year. As part of the United Kingdom’s own commitment to its work in this bicentenary year, her Government had announced last week that, in future years, national activities to remember the valuable lessons of the bicentenary would be held to coincide with the UNESCO International Day.

The Assembly then took up a plenary-generated draft resolution on The role of the United Nations in promoting a new global human order (document A/62/L.35), introduced by the representative of Guyana, who said that the idea of a new global human order had evolved out of growing concern for the need to address one of the most pressing human development dilemma’s: the fact that in an era of unprecedented global opportunity and expanded development, billions of people were mired in poverty and despair, having been bypassed by the benefits of globalization. With the yawning gap between the rich and poor becoming ever wider, a new global environment must be created so that people everywhere were better placed to develop their potential and contribute to their societies.

Turning to the text, he said that, by its adoption, the Assembly would, among other things, recognize the well-being of all people and the fulfilment of their potential as pivotal to sustainable development. It would also express its deep concern about the growing disparities between rich had poor, as well as about the adverse implications thereof for the promotion of human development throughout the world. The operative portion of the text would have the Assembly stress the need for broad-based consensus for action within the comprehensive and holistic framework towards achievement of the development and poverty eradication goals.

FRANCISCO CORTORREAL ( Dominican Republic), speaking on behalf of the Rio Group, said that the members of the Group had undertaken to promote a more just, fair and human order. Yet, they also recognized the role of the United Nations in joining intergovernmental efforts to place the human being at the centre of world initiatives, such as poverty eradication. Among other things, the Rio Group recognized the importance of technology transfer from developed countries to developing ones. While there had been some progress towards achieving the goals of the Millennium Summit, there was still work to be done towards eliminating the growing disparities between the rich and poor. Protecting the environment, promoting health and education, and overcoming other major problems faced by humanity could only be achieved in a world where human development was championed.

PAULETTE BETHEL ( Bahamas), speaking again on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said her delegation had supported and co-sponsored the draft resolution on promotion of a new global human order. The contemporary world order was marked by growing inequality, despite greater market integration and expanded opportunities for prosperity. Unfulfilled pledges, increased environmental vulnerability, and new threats to peace underlined the urgency for alternative approaches to human development.

She said that the proposal of a new global human order spoke to the need for a qualitatively different approach to development that addressed those realities, and such a concept offered a framework for integrating the economic, environmental, social, cultural and political aspects of development. The United Nations was well placed to put such an approach into action, as the underlying goal of a new global human order could provide a platform for achieving the Millennium Development Goals and promoting long-term development.

The Assembly then postponed action on the draft resolution to a later date.

ANNEX I

Vote on Assistance to Palestine Refugees

Draft resolution I on assistance to Palestine refugees (document A/62/404) was adopted by a recorded vote of 171 in favour to 2 against, with 6 abstentions, as follows:

Vote on Persons Displaced as a Result of the June 1967 and Subsequent Hostilities

Draft resolution II on persons displaced as a result of the June 1967 and subsequent hostilities (document A/62/404) was adopted by a recorded vote of 171 in favour to 6 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

Vote on United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)

Draft resolution III on operations of United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (document A/62/404) was adopted by a recorded vote of 170 in favour to 6 against, with 3 abstentions, as follows:

Draft resolution I on the work of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (document A/62/405) was adopted by a recorded vote of 93 in favour to 8 against, with 74 abstentions, as follows:

Draft resolution II on applicability of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (document A/62/405) was adopted by a recorded vote of 169 in favour to 6 against, with 3 abstentions, as follows:

Draft resolution III on Israeli settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and the occupied Syrian Golan (document A/62/405) was adopted by a recorded vote of 165 in favour to 7 against, with 5 abstentions, as follows:

Draft resolution IV on Israeli practices affecting the human rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem (document A/62/405) was adopted by a recorded vote of 156 in favour to 7 against, with 11 abstentions, as follows:

The draft resolution on information from Non-Self-Governing Territories transmitted under Article 73 e of the Charter of the United Nations (document A/62/408) was adopted by a recorded vote of 176 in favour to none against, with 4 abstentions, as follows:

The draft resolution on economic and other activities which affect the interests of the peoples of the Non-Self-Governing Territories (document A/62/409) was adopted by a recorded vote of 176 in favour to 2 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

Vote on Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by United Nations Agencies

The draft resolution on implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples by the specialized agencies and the international institutions associated with the United Nations (document A/62/410) was adopted by a recorded vote of 124 in favour to none against, with 54 abstentions, as follows:

Vote on Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples

Draft resolution V, as orally amended, on implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples (document A/62/412) was adopted by a recorded vote of 176 in favour to 2 against, with 2 abstentions, as follows:

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Daily Noon Briefing

The Deputy Secretary-General spoke today at the Security Council meeting on the human rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, noting that in 2014, a Commission of Inquiry concluded that crimes against humanity have been committed there — and rightly called for accountability.